A Greener Goodbye: How to Make Your Funeral More EcoFriendly

When a loved one passes away, the task of laying their body to rest can be a difficult and emotional one. 

As the number of people concerned about environmental issues rises, many are looking for ways to make their funeral ecofriendly. 

What can we do? Green funerals!

Green funerals are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek ways to show respect for the environment.

Whether you want your body preserved with natural products or disposed of in an eco-friendly way, green funerals provide stress-free ways to celebrate a person’s life while also reducing our footprints on Earth. 

What Is A Green Funeral? 

A green funeral is any funeral that reduces the environmental impact of both burial sites and funeral services through using sustainable practices. 

Green funerals follow principles of sustainability that focus on reducing waste, preserving natural resources, and avoiding toxins. 

This practice is also known as “natural” or “eco-friendly” funeral planning. 

What type of options are offered?

Some green burial options include biodegradable caskets or shrouds instead of traditional metal caskets. 

Shrouds can be made from organic materials such as cotton, hemp, silk, wool, banana leaf, wicker, seagrass or pandan leaf.

Biodegradable caskets are usually made from materials such as bamboo or other renewable woods. Furthermore, biodegradable caskets can also be used which contain no chemicals whatsoever while still providing a unique and beautiful option for families who want to give their loved ones an eco-friendly sendoff.  

Another popular choice includes cremation with water cremation instead of fire cremation being the more environmentally friendly option. 

Water cremation uses pressurized heated water and alkali solution to break down the body into its most basic elements; bone fragments remain after the process is complete which can then be buried in a green cemetery or scattered by family members at a designated place of their choosing.  

Additionally, some green burial grounds offer natural memorialization like living trees planted in memory of your beloved one where you may visit without leaving any trace behind on nature’s course other than pleasant memories planted into your heart every time you return back home.

Saying goodbye to a loved one can be one of the most difficult times in life. But even during the sorrow and grief, you can have some control over the way your loved one is remembered. Green funerals are an increasingly popular way of honoring someone’s life while also caring for the environment.

Embarking on the journey to planning a green funeral requires some thoughtful consideration of the impact of yours or your loved one’s passing, with regulated practices that meet health standards and respect the planet. 

When it comes time to choose a service provider for a green funeral, make sure you find someone who understands your needs and will be able to provide you with an environmentally friendly burial option that honors your wishes for yours or your loved one’s final resting place.

Are you considering an eco-friendly funeral or looking for the right way to honor the passing of a loved one? Have questions? Reach out today, we’ll be happy to assist you in any way possible. 

DISCLAIMER: The content contained herein is for general informational purposes only.  These materials do not constitute legal or other professional advice.  We do not accept any responsibility for any loss that may arise from reliance on this information.  No reader should act or refrain from acting based on information contained in this article without seeking advice of counsel.